Leadership track candidates benefit from diverse cohort, personal coaching and array of business units at the industrial champion.
Christopher Hermanas and Delroy Hector are the future commercial leaders of General Electric — America’s best-known conglomerate, renowned for its industrial operations which make everything from jet engines to X-ray machines. GE hires MBAs for roles in its diverse business units including for healthcare, energy and aerospace.Candidates of GE’s Experienced Commercial Leadership Program, the pair are on a path to potential senior management roles at the company that traces its beginnings to the inventor Thomas Edison.
They recently returned from the Global Commercial Leadership Conference in Shanghai. This gives ECLPs the chance to hear from inspirational business leaders, receive personalized coaching from executive sponsors and learn from peers.
“I see this networking and solution building as a great opportunity that GE and the ECLP provides,” says Delroy. He adds that it allows ECLPs from all over the world to come together to look at how to alleviate customer challenges. “My success as a commercial leader is 100% determined by our customers.”
For Chris the climax was the class-specific training, which included change-acceleration, advanced presentation skills and data analytics. “All of the training we are receiving is helping us to grow exponentially as future leaders,” he says.
Chris joined GE in July 2014 and obtained an MBA at the McCombs School of Business in Texas the same year. “The MBA has been extremely beneficial,” says Chris, a former national marketing manager at professional services firm Deloitte.
An in-depth view of a variety of marketing, finance, and operational disciplines has allowed him to spark new ideas at the industrial champion and drive value.
The ECLP provides a rotational experience that highlights the diversity that differentiates GE from other companies and helps accelerate learning. An MBA has been imperative to Chris’ success on his 8-month rotations, he says. “Translating theories and concepts into actual results is an important step — needed to be successful as an ECLP.”
Currently working in Chicago within GE Capital, the group’s financial services arm, Chris believes GE Capital has been able to benefit from and leverage links to GE’s other units. “GE Capital has a very good understanding of the challenges our industrial businesses have across various industries, which allows us to be a more effective partner,” he says.
An MBA, which covers myriad sectors and functions, comes into play here. “As ECLPs we are constantly using a variety of functional skills — from critical thinking and problem solving to communication and presentation skills — to effectively drive value,” Chris says.
He singles out a project to deliver a brand benchmarking tool for GE Ventures, a GE unit which helps entrepreneurs and start-ups accelerate their ideas, as a highlight: “It involved a lot of collaboration and teamwork with other ECLPs, and provided an exciting immersion into the trademark, licensing, and partnership side of the GE business.”
GE recruits around 80 candidates for its ECLP each year. Some have MBA degrees; some come from other backgrounds.
Delroy is in the latter group. Shortly after joining GE he took an MSc in water and environmental management, among other subjects, at the UK’s University of Hertfordshire. “Water issues are global challenges for all of us to solve,” says Delroy, who is currently working at GE Power & Water in Europe as a sales and marketing associate.
“The degree does offer elements that a business school cannot offer,” he says of the MSc. This includes a focus on both local and global water management issues — themes riding up the corporate agenda as companies face water-related challenges, according to a study by Vox Global, a communications firm, and environmental research group the Pacific Institute.
He believes that the ability to alleviate or provide a solution towards solving water scarcity concerns will define companies and governments in the future. “This is why I work for GE Water — to help in the better management of this strategic resource,” says Delroy, who previously worked at GE Capital in the UK as a credit risk assurance manager.
Prior to GE Capital Delroy worked as an environmental inspector for the government of Trinidad and Tobago, the southern Caribbean nation. “The work values are very much focused on completing the task as quickly as possible to allow free time for more relaxing and personal activities,” he says of working there.
These experiences are a fit with the rich range of career options at GE. Delroy has also had exposure to GE Aviation, he adds. “One of the things I really like about GE is the diversity of career paths available.”
This is a sentiment echoed by Chris at GE Capital. “Collaborating with our industrials and taking a fast approach to new product offerings has allowed us to be more flexible and successful,” Chris says.
Student Reviews
University of Texas at Austin: McCombs
A very warm and academic environment
UT Austin has a warm and academic environment that promotes a sense of belonging. With numerous programs and extracurricular activities available, you will never experience boredom. The campus boasts gorgeous surroundings, and the food surpasses expectations. The academic opportunities are outstanding, and the professors show genuine dedication to helping you succeed both personally and academically.
Excellent for Data Science
The program, for gaining expertise in Data Science and Business Analytics is at its peak with lectures and a curriculum that aligns perfectly with industry standards. As a participant in this community and program, This Is Really Helping Me To Excel My Career And Growth As A Data Scientist.
The course structure flawlessly represents the demands of the market equipping students with skills and knowledge to excel. The key, to success lies in completing assignments and projects.
A School with all you need
A reputable public university filled with professors who are truly dedicated, to their fields of expertise. It provides chances, for networking. Is situated in a vibrant city renowned for its lively nightlife, superb coffee shops and beautiful natural surroundings. All you need is a mind and a sense of exploration to have your needs met here.
Great Facilities
With its strong emphasis on business majors, University has gained a prominent reputation. The university provides ample chances for students to specialize in different areas of business, and its state-of-the-art labs and research centers offer significant advantages, especially for those who are pursuing a Finance major. These resources enable students to develop proficiency in utilizing the most cutting-edge technology tools available.
Truly Rewarding Experience on 40 Acres
As a student at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), I can confidently say that my experience here has been both academically and personally enriching. The campus is not only beautiful but also located in the vibrant city of Austin, which offers a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
UT Austin's academic programs are top-notch, and the professors are incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in their students' success. The variety of courses and degree programs available caters to a wide range of interests, allowing students to explore and hone their skills in their chosen fields. The university also provides ample research opportunities, which has helped me gain hands-on experience and enhance my understanding of various subjects.
Student life at UT Austin is vibrant, with over 1,000 student organizations catering to a multitude of interests, from sports and cultural clubs to academic and community service groups. The university's emphasis on diversity and inclusion creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages open-mindedness, collaboration, and personal growth. The strong sense of community and Longhorn pride make me proud to be a part of this prestigious institution.
Overall, my experience at UT Austin has been nothing short of exceptional. The combination of excellent academic programs, a supportive community, and countless opportunities for personal and professional development make this university an ideal choice for students seeking a well-rounded and rewarding educational experience.
My Opinion on My Campus
A fantastic university with lots of walking within the big campus. Courses offered here are very competitive. There are also lots of resources which makes the quality of education in this campus very good. We had amazing professors. Sporting activities are also given priority in this university for instance football and other social activities
College Life in Texas
Texas is a beautiful place with many beautiful people. You can visit some nature parks and beaches like Big Bend. South Padre Island If you're there in February, don't miss Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Austin. You won't regret it. Campus life is very good. It is very interesting that you always meet good people from different places. So always use this international environment to meet more people and expand your understanding of the world.
I love it in UT
I enjoy being in UT! The first month of school is a lot of fun. Different Types of events take place in the university. You have various organizations that run campaigns and recruit new members. Free items such as backpacks, hats, Frisbees, food and more are provided on campus. The people on campus are very nice and you can feel the school spirit during sports games - it's amazing.
During your four years at UT, you must attend at least one football game. There you will feel the most school spirit. In addition to the school spirit and camaraderie on campus, there is also the general joy of being in Austin. There are many different types of restaurants such as Lake Travis or Barton Springs.
Amazing Learning Experience
The University of Texas is a great institution of higher learning, Located in a beautiful City and it offers very good courses which are very competitive and good for the global market. It has a better application process as compared to other universities hence giving students easy time during application. Learning facilities are also great with a good library for personal studies. A great teaching staff and generally a good learning environment. A variety of other activities that students can engage in for enjoyment for instance sports among others. Would easily recommend this university to the world
This school is fantastic!
I believe that the University of Texas is a very good University. You meet people from all walks of life and the teachers challenge you to be the best learner when you come out. What I loved about the University of Texas was its wide streets and big buildings. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone who is starting their university career, it is fantastic and they give you many tool in order to success. Sometimes you can even get a Success counselor.
